Rutgers reserve tight end Malcolm Bush decides to transfer

Noah K. Murray/The Star LedgerTight end Malcolm Bush, a former star at Hackensack High, was the No. 3 tight end in preseason camp.

As Paul Carrezola and D.C. Jefferson continue to vie for the starting tight end spot, Rutgers' depth at the position changed today when head coach Kyle Flood announced that reserve Malcolm Bush has decided to transfer over a lack of playing time.

Bush, a standout at Hackensack High School, appeared in three games in two years for the Scarlet Knights. The 6-4, 225-pounder has two years of eligibility remaining.

"Malcolm has decided that he wants to transfer and maybe look for an opportunity to get on the field maybe a little quicker," Flood said.

Carrezola, a fourth-year junior, is currently the starter at the position over Jefferson, a fifth-year senior who is still rounding into shape after missing the spring following off-season surgery. He was plagued by shoulder and ankle problems last year.

Bush, who had been the No. 3 tight end, will be replaced by redshirt freshman Tyler Kroft in the pecking order at the position, followed by Beau Bachety.

Carrezola has been the most consistent tight end in pre-season camp, according to Flood.

"Whether or not that continues will be determined a little bit by how Paul can raise the level of his game and the consistency D.C. will bring to the game," Flood said. "Paul is the most consistent producer and performer right now in training camp. That's why he's there."

Though Flood said Kroft has "a bright future," he acknowledged he is not ready yet.

"He does a nice job catching the ball. He's a willing blocker," Flood said. "I don't know that he's the guy that we'd like to line up with on the line of scrimmage right now. I think he's working his way there."

* Flood said that Matt McBride, who has mostly worked at guard, has emerged as the back-up center to Betim Bujari, dropping Dallas Hendrickson to No. 3 at the position. He said the competition for the back-up spot is ongoing.

* Marcus Cooper, who is battling Brandon Jones for the starting job at the corner spot opposite Logan Ryan, is also being tried at safety in sub packages.

* Rutgers will hold a double session today (and Friday), capping the week with a scrimmage at 7 p.m. on Saturday.